And a new frontier of freedom. The Internet is the natural home of open expression. A new tool to organise against oppression, and determine a democratic destiny. A voice for the powerless and a check on the powerful. A safeguard to human rights and human dignity.sentence permalink

But bring better broadband – and you give every citizen the tools to take control. Creating jobs, opportunities, growth.sentence permalink

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Often it starts with giving an internet connection to a local library or clinic. But then you can switch on an entire community. Empower every person to get involved and take control.sentence permalink

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Build the networks and you don't always know what will happen. Offer the broadband and the innovation will follow.sentence permalink

In 1993, Estonia was emerging from Communism. GDP was just 1100 dollars per head: about the same as Papua New Guinea or the Republic of Congo.sentence permalink

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Twenty years later – after joining the EU, and after a significant digital investment — Estonia is among the most connected countries in the world. Over three in four citizens are regular internet users; virtually all businesses use eGovernment; the economy has grown 15-fold. The World Economic Forum puts it at number 22 of the world's most networked countries: just behind Japan.sentence permalink

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In the EU I am fighting for the frameworks and networks so every European can enjoy a better future.sentence permalink

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A continent connected: with a competitive telecoms market, for a sector that's fit to compete. So that every customer, benefits from a dynamic range and tailored choices. From the biggest business to the most casual pay-as-you-go usersentence permalink

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Bringing down borders so your mobile stays mobile, with consistent rules on spectrum — but without rip-off roaming surcharges.sentence permalink

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Open: so no government or telco operator can decide what you can or can't see online. And with governments adapting to a new open era – making public data open: boosting transparency and stimulating innovation.sentence permalink

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It is the openness of the Internet that makes it such an astounding platform. A place to innovate without permission, and without limit. With people able to create and express themselves without fear of repression and reprisal.sentence permalink

With protections for citizens and businesses against spying, hacking, cybercrime. With better capacity, better coordination, and better confidence in the digital world. And secure eIdentifcation so you can prove you are who you say you are.sentence permalink

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Inclusive: because everyone can benefit from these tools and everyone should be involved.sentence permalink

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That means every European digital – rich and poor, urban and rural, men and women.sentence permalink

ICT can revolutionise education — in the most isolated and underdeveloped corners of the world.sentence permalink

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For boys and girls.

And you know - sometimes women feel ICT is not for them; sometimes they are told it's not for them. But digital skills and digital tools can be just as essential to women as men: rewarding, creative and fun, too.sentence permalink

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So we are working to spread broadband everywhere. To show women early on that they can take these opportunities.sentence permalink

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And we have a network of digital champions in every EU country leading the way to get every citizen online. They are able to tailor and adapt their action – for sustained political commitment, and delivery on the ground. So why not have a digital champion – not just in every EU country– but in every country in the world?sentence permalink

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Never forget what makes the internet so great: it is innovative. We must be innovative too. The EU is working with the private sector to invest in a stronger future – particularly those sectors that underpin the digital economy, from electronics to 5G connectivity. Using Horizon 2020, our 80 billion euro investment in research and innovation.sentence permalink

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And finally we are working internationally to ensure the internet continues its success.sentence permalink

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What is the reason for that success? It is as a unified global platform. Shatter it, and we shatter its benefits.sentence permalink

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We cannot have a situation where some countries end up going their own way – for political reasons, for technical reasons, or just for lack of capacity or understanding.sentence permalink

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The Internet began in America. But now it covers the world: governance needs to match that globalisation. Ever y country has an interest and every country should be taking an interest.sentence permalink

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Not through new Treaties, and not through a takeover by governments. But with a genuinely global system: with multiple stakeholders from multiple countries.sentence permalink

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I want Europe's voice and values to be heard. But many other countries too. For an inclusive and credible, global Internet governance.sentence permalink

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That is my dream for a digital Europe. A continent that is connected, open and secure; inclusive and innovative; a vibrant part of a global network. Then we deliver the promise of the Internet.sentence permalink

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Developing countries are in a great position. Not just to use these innovations – but to adapt, and excel.sentence permalink

In Africa, a continent that hardly ever knew the landline, now has more mobiles than the EU.sentence permalink

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But it's not just about how many subscriptions you have. It's about the innovations and opportunities they bring. And there, Africa is not just skipping a generation of technology, but even overtaking.sentence permalink

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Free of vested interests and legacy sectors, developing countries have a huge opportunity to leap ahead. Starting from a clean slate – a chance to build digital in everywhere, right from the start.sentence permalink

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A few years ago I was in Nairobi, in one of the largest, poorest slums in the world. Even there, nurses are learning online. Migrant workers are using mobile banking to send money back home. Even in a place with few shops, mobile credit is the one thing on sale everywhere.sentence permalink

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We are helping this development. In Africa alone: we are offering €8.4 million to help a harmonised and competitive ICT market. Over one hundred million to link up scientists with their counterparts in Europe. 4 million for the eHSA programme, for satellite-based healthcare.sentence permalink

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And political recognition is rising.

Last week's EU-Africa Summit took this issue seriously. All those leaders saw the power of digital technology. And they agree three steps to make it work better. To harmonise and align rules between Africa and the EU. To interconnect our Research Networks. And to improve ICT capacity, with better access for all, more inclusive governance, and full recognition and respect for human rights.sentence permalink

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We're on the brink of a big change: technological, social, economic. People everywhere get it – in Europe and across the world. Many of these national leaders get it. Do you?sentence permalink